Nintendo DS

See the discuss page for proposals for pruning this list. Also, note that on May 20, 2014, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection was shut down, disabling online multiplayer on basically all first-party titles for the DS and Wii. DSiWare still exists though, so grab stuff you want from there while there's still time.

Contents

Bejeweled-style puzzle action, you match jewels to break rocks and minerals which are sent to the builders to construct the seven wonders.

2007

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Strategy

3rd entry moved from the GBA. Has new and old COs, a small few of whom must be unlocked (due to their status in the campaign story). In addition to new units, you can use dual COs, which allows for insanely broken combinations (both for and against you), but the game is still very fun and offers quite a bit of content, solid multiplayer (until some ass picks Hachi), and even an neat action-based mini-game. The series has the same happy, bright atmosphere of earlier games. Well, until... You can check a trailer here

2005

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin

Strategy

This is in the future, where a meteor strike has wiped out 90% of humanity, leaving you with new COs to fight with and against. This entry has a new stylistic direction, but it still has the same true gameplay, in addition to some new units. Considered the most balanced title in the series, due to reorganizing the amount of power you and your enemies hold, and features great online and offline multi-player. Subtitled as Dark Conflict in Europe, with a different translation. You can check a trailer here

2008

Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why’d you steal our garbage?!!

Action / Adventure

Based on the hit Cartoon Network show, with a story by the show's creator, Pendleton Ward (no Ice King backstory though). While similar to Zelda II, it also borrows things from other games and stat-ups are done via found items vs grinding. Fun for fans and has a great soundtrack, but unlike the 3DS version, there's songs missing (boo). There are also sexy cloud people. Also, there's a collector's edition with an Enchiridion, so you can go to another dimension for a 3 part what if episode that resolved nothing in the over-arching series plot.

2012

Again

Adventure

Another adventure game made by the developers of Hotel Dusk: Room 215, Cing. You are in the role of FBI Agent Jonathan Weaver, and you have the ability to see into the past. Nineteen years ago, a string of murders named the "Providence murders" occurred, and the killer was never caught. Now, it would seem the killer has resurfaced and is back to murdering once again. Partly fueled by personal motivation, Jonathan Weaver vows to finally catch the culprit. Was received quite poorly by reviewers, and definitely isn't the best of Cing's titles, but it's still worth a look if you enjoyed their other games. You can check a trailer here

2009

Air Traffic Chaos

Sim / Strategy

A game where you play as an air traffic controller, a job that is famous for its insane stress levels and allegedly high suicide rates. That sounds like the most boring game ever but surprisingly, it works. This is a time-management game were you handle arrivals and departures in one of 4 airports, making sure no plane crashes. The stages can be long (a hard mode stage can last around 20 minutes), one crash is game-over and hard mode is hard, but that makes really rewarding to reach the end of a stage with no deaths on your watch. You can check a trailer here

2007

Aliens: Infestation

Action / Metroidvania

WayForward and Gearbox have teamed up to bring a Metroid-inspired Aliens game to your DS. Control a group of Marines as you explore various settings from the series such as the Sulaco and the LV-426 in typical Metroidvania fashion. Weld doahs, fight Xenomorphs in mechs, and protect your friends as you fight off the alien menace. The game also features a perma-death mechanic; if you lose all your marines, the game bad ends you and you'll have to start from the beginning again. Ouch. You can check a trailer here

2011

Animal Crossing: Wild World

Sim

It's Animal Crossing. Nothing too out of the blue. Move to a town inhabited by friendly anthros (it's not nearly as furry as it sounds). Work off the debt of your house (it's not nearly as boring or tedious as it sounds)! Now with DS-specific features, like stylus control and the option to design clothing by drawing on the touchscreen! You can check a trailer here

2005

Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island

RPG / Sim

An adorable RPG with a tropical island setting; lazy alchemist-in-training Annie is sent to participate in an alchemy contest involving the construction of a tropical resort. Great alchemy and combat systems, many fun characters, and an irresistible charm. Also a great introduction to the long-running Atelier series. You can check a trailer here

There are other 2 Atelier games for DS, released only in JAP, still worth checking, because of these are among few games developed by Gust for NDS.

2009

Avalon Code

RPG / Action

An action RPG where you scan and change the "code" of things like NPCS, monsters, weapons, and items but changes are not as significant as people would have liked. You're a kid who obtains a magical book called the Book of Prophecy that wants you to save the world but the book, which is your menu and "inventory", is designed horribly. Other things are generally standard more or less. You do have a good selection of weapons to play with but you'll probably end up using charged gun and sword attacks against most encounters. Still, this game ...has it's moments. You can check a trailer here

2008

Away: Shuffle Dungeon

RPG / Puzzle

A puzzle-based adventure with dungeon crawler elements developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi's studio Mistwalker (with music by Nobuo Uematsu!!). You save villagers and defeat various bosses. Also, you have to walk/race between the two screens as one of them will "shuffle" with another room as time passes by. Each dungeon is does this quite well. Story is awesome and crazy, the localization is surprisingly good, and the soundtrack is relaxing as fuck. Bosses are pretty interesting as well. Was ragged on by reviewers for being NOT ZELDA, but do note that it's not like Zelda much at all. You can check a trailer here

2008

Bangai-O Spirits

Shoot 'em Up

A sequel to the Dreamcast classic. While it doesn't live up to the original, it's still a great game on its own right. Features a shitton of levels and its own level editor. This game will make your DS lag. On purpose. Or you'd be fucked trying to dodge everything at full speed. You can check a trailer here

2008

Batman: The Brave and the Bold The Videogame

Platformer / Beat 'em Up

May be the best Batman game so far. Looks awesome, plays smoothly, has lots of content and is very true to the actual show. You control Batman as well as one other hero per stage while you fight off a lot of cool looking enemies and battle villains like the Joker or Catwoman. The game is extremely easy and helps you out constantly, but offers optional challenges and tougher battles where you can earn bonuses and upgrades for Bats. Definitely check this one out if you're into beat 'em ups and or Batman. You can check a trailer here

Western JRPG with Chrono Trigger battles and Final Fantasy VI graphics, could really fit as any of those classic SNES RPGs. A few bugs, but it's generally a decent experience, especially if you've exhausted other RPG options on the DS. Could get boring at some parts and some bosses are extremely hard. You can check a trailer here

2009

Bleach: Dark Souls

Fighting

A surprisingly solid fighter, even if you don't watch/like Bleach. Lots of characters to choose from, online play and a card power-up system (that's optional if you don't like them). Made by Treasure, so you know it's solid. You can check a trailer here

2007

Bleach: The 3rd Phantom

Strategy / RPG

Unlike the two first Bleach DS games, The 3rd Phantom is not a fighting game, but a turn-based tactic game. Two teams fight each other's on a battlefield in a style similar to the Final Fantasy Tactics and Fire Emblem games.

2008

Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow

Action / RPG

A fun RPG with real-time combat, created by Mistwalker. Lots of customization, equipment showing up on characters, multiple playable characters, item synthesis, both local and online multiplayer, nice graphics, cool enemies, and pretty music by Uematsu are all great things about this game. However, choppy animation, meh translation, gross voice acting, and framerate drops can all be annoying issues. Still, a fun little RPG to sink some time into, especially with a bro or two. If nothing else, do it for the lootz.Check out a trailer right here.

2009

Blue Dragon Plus

RPG / Strategy

Very fun real-time strategy the employs the DS stylus, Blue Dragon Plus offers plenty of gameplay with a consistent difficulty curve that keeps you entertained. An actual sequel to Blue Dragon story-wise, so if you care about story, don't play this until you finish the first. Has a bad reputation critically, but it's actually good, so fuck the magazines. You can check a trailer here

2008

Boing! Docomodake DS

Platformer / Puzzle

Despite the name, this was indeed released out west. A very cute and addictive platformer with interesting puzzle-solving elements starring a mushroom. Fun fact: This game is actually an advertisement, because the main character is the mascot for NTT Docomo cell phone services. There's no in-game ads or phone references, though. You can check a trailer here

2007

Bomberman 2 DS

Puzzle

Known as Custom Battler Bomberman in Japanland. Ditches the minigame system of the Touch! games in favor of a traditional Bomberman experience. Has a ton of customization options (this affects your stats and skills). The single player stages are pretty damn cool, too. Also has online multiplayer, which is always a plus. This game was only released in Japan and Europe for some reason. You can check a trailer here

2008

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars: The Director's Cut

Adventure

An updated port of the 1996 PC game. This version features extra puzzles, some gameplay changes, and an updated story; however, there are some oddities in the programming. The director's cut is also available on Wii, PC, and iOS, but the DS version is the only one that doesn't have full voice acting. You can check a review with some DS footage here

2009

Bust-A-Move DS / Space Bust-A-Move

Puzzle

Arguably one of the most addictive puzzle series ever makes its way to the DS in these two incarnations. The gameplay is simple - shoot coloured bubbles to match up with other coloured bubbles at the top. Loads of modes and whatnot to keep you interested. Both versions are worth picking up, though its worth trying to test both out just to see which ones "feel" feels better for you.(PROTIP: You can actually change from the shitty touch screen controls in the options in B-A-M DS as many have complained about.) You can check a trailer for the Space Bust-A-Move hereand a gameplay of Bust-A-Move video here.

2005, 2008

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Action

The first DS Castlevania and direct sequel to the last GBA game, Aria of Sorrow. Lots of replay value, in fact replaying it is more fun than the first time around. Also has a secret full-game mode with a Castlevania 3 character system. Introduces a new anime art style, which you will either hate or "hate, but get over it". You can check three trailers here

2005

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

Action

This game is pretty good. Features a concentration on teamwork and team-up skills. Also has a lot of extra characters and a balls-to-the-wall hard mode. Protip: NEVER SELL ANYTHING unless you can get more of it. 2nd of the DS games and is a total love-letter to CV fans, with lots of surprises and references to be found. You can check a trailer here

2006

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Action

The third Castlevania for the DS, this ditches the dual character system from Portrait of Ruin for a new glyph system, which includes absorbing glyphs from enemies to gain new weapons and combining two for a new special attack. Starts out linear like Classic 'vanias, but as expected, there's lots to do and explore soon enough. Good story, smooth soundtrack, cool bonus content, and a great Gothic (as in the proper kind) art style makes this one of the best out of the three. You can check a trailer here

2008

Chessmaster: The Art of Learning

Chess

A great chess game for the DS. Tracks your ELO rating, which is a real measure of your chess power level. Its puzzle challenges are great for improving your chess and its minigames are really fun (specially Minefield Chess). On the other hand, you can't do multiplayer with a single DS and you can't change the piece's or board's art style. Everything else is perfect, though.

2007

Fritz Chess

Chess

The other great chess game for the DS. Also tracks your ELO rating, but unlike Chessmaster, this one is played with the DS sideways, book style. Doesn't have minigames, but it does have puzzles, records of historical chess matches, different styles for your board/pieces and let's you play with someone else on the same DS. The best thing about it is its two chess variations: Chess 960 (every piece's position except pawns' are randomly set on your first row) and Giveaway Chess (a misère variation of chess, you win if you lose all your pieces and you must capture pieces if able)

2009

Chibi-Robo! Park Patrol/Okaeri! Chibi-Robo! Happy Richie Oosouji

Action / Adventure

A very overlooked and underrated title, it's the sequel to the Gamecube sleeper hit. You basically grow flowers while fending off enemies. It's better than it sounds, trust me. Not released in Europe. Happy Richie Oosouji is the "true" sequel to the first Chibi-Robo, in that you actually do house-cleaning. It takes place in grown-up Jenny's house. New tools, new locations, same awesome gameplay (but a little bit harder.) You don't need to know Japanese in order to enjoy it. You can check a trailer here

2009, 2007

Chrono Trigger DS

RPG

The best version of one of the best RPGs of all time. Includes extra dungeons, a new ending, and all the cutscenes from the PS1 version. Also new modes, a monster battlan' minigame, optional touch-screen interface, plus tons of other extras. Time to show Lavos who's boss again and again. Even the translation has been updated for better or worse. You can check a trailer here

2008

Commando: Steel Disaster

Run 'n' Gun

Nothing to do with the Capcom Arcade classic. Metal Slug style action, with lots of explosion and chaos going on. Beware, though, because this game is ultra insane, as you only have one life and if you die (something will happen A LOT) you're back to the beginning of the stage.

2008

Contact

RPG

A unique game which some say "makes no fucking sense". Has a cooking system, jobs system, attack system, dating system (?!), and more. Compared to EarthBound due to its style of weird humor. Suggested to those looking for something different but classic with a twist. Has many secrets, with even more post-game. Was done by the man behind the Shining Soul series for GBA, which this plays slightly like and is also good. You can check a trailer here

2006

Contra 4

Run 'n' Gun

Balls to the wall hard, just like Contra should be. Some were concerned that it wouldn't live up to the other titles of the series, seeing as it wasn't developed by a Konami 1st party. Luckily, WayForward really fucking loves Contra, so it turned out great. After the first playthrough a challenge mode is unlocked. That's when the game really gets awesome. Rewards (including emulations of Contra and Super C) are granted for every four challenges you beat. You can check a gameplay video here

2007

Coropata

Puzzle

The Incredible Machine featuring a loli. Over 100 different puzzles in which you must provide means for the autonomous Himawari to reach her destination. Entirely in moonspeak, but it's not like the plot is important. Menus are simple to navigate. You can check a trailer here

2009

Crimson Room (SuperLite 2500)

Puzzle / Compilation

Excellent compilation featuring all four games of the Crimson Room series, fully adapted to the touch controls and with some minor things changed (like the secret password in the first game).

2007

Cross Treasures

Action / Roguelike

Procedurally generated dungeons, customizable characters and 4 player co-op, Like a sweet, sweet lovechild between Diablo, DQIX and all the retarded monsters you drew when you were 6 years old. Filled to the brim with references to Shonen Jump and arcade games, Put on your maid outfit and grab your christmas tree, we're going to floor 25 to take down a battleship in an 8-bit dungeon. One of the most under-appreciated DS games out there. English patch here.You can check a trailer here

2009

Culdcept DS

Board game / RPG

Similar to the Culdcept Saga game for Xbox 360, Culdcept DS is a mixture of Yu-Gi-Oh and Monopoly. Take various 'properties' by putting monsters on them, and raise their levels to increase the tolls your opponent must pay when he lands on them. Monsters can be boosted with items from your hand, and spells can affect a cepter's cards before he even plays them. NOTE: this game WILL make you A) Scream 'Fuck you, game!' and B) Throw your DS. This game is EXCRUCIATINGLY BASTARDESQUE - it will challenge you. Only released in Japan. Patch is out now. You can check a trailer here TIP: get cards in multiplayer mode by having the npc win for you.

2008

Custom Beat Battle: Draglade 1&2

Fighting

A very customizable fighting game by Dimps centered around musical weapons. You can create your own "beat combos" by arranging moves in a sequencer, and can assign up to six "bullets" to your touch screen that have various effects. Both combos and bullets can be traded online. The first game has a cheesy and forgettable plot, and only 9 characters, but the second game is much smoother, with an overdrive feature, online play, and MOAR BULLETS. However, the sequel is Japanese only, but can get a menu translation for Draglade 2 here.You can check a trailer here

2007 (1), 2008 (2)

Custom Robo Arena

Action

Horribly bad story and horribly bad cartoonish art. Battles are awesome though. You jump, shoot, throw bombs, and release tracking pods. There are also many different robos which move faster, move around the air better or have different close range attacks. You can check a trailer here

2007

The Dark Spire

RPG / Dungeon Crawler

A direct throwback to first-person, dungeon-crawlers of yore, The Dark Spire will challenge you (and then some) with its combat, traps, puzzles, and never-ending floors. It has great art and music, and has an optional old-school mode that turns the walls to wireframes, artwork to 8-bit-like sprites, and the sound to bleeps and bloops. Very polished. Comes with a soundtrack CD, and can be found cheap. But beware, as it is as tough as the games it's paying homage to. It does you good to learn the combat system but getting lost will still be a dick. You can check a gameplay here

2009

Dawn of Heroes

RPG / Strategy

A fun little SRPG that has up to 26 heroes to recruit and customize and fight a shit ton of demons, trolls, and fucking dragons. Has online multiplayer for battling and trading. The level limit makes end-game tough, but it's nothing you can't handle. You can check a trailer here

2009

Dementium: The Ward

FPS / Survival Horror

A survival horror game for the Nintendo DS. Surprisingly scary if you wear headphones and don't mind mediocre graphics. The gameplay is pretty slow-paced, but the atmosphere is chilling. You can check a trailer here

2008

Dementium II

FPS / Survival Horror

Scarier than the first one, controls a lot better. Looks better. It's just an all around improvement. Plus the game's cover is just awesome. If you can only get one, this is the one to get. Strangely for some reason it got a PC Port, but by a different team. You can check a trailer here

2010

Desktop Tower Defense

Strategy / Defense

It's identical to the tower defense game of the same name that you can play over the Internet, for better or for worse (I mean, the flash game is free, but this you can play on the go, plus touchscreen). It has challenges, plenty of modes to play, trophies to earn and you can customize the sprites of your towers.

2009

Digimon World: Dawn/Dusk

RPG

An alright Digimon game, with all the monster collecting as usual. If you're tired of Pokémon, give this a whirl. Pretty simple JRPG type of game, but very fun and addicting in a sort of way. Most fans will love this game for just being full of both old and new digimon around 400 ones to collect and even a few password only digimon.

2007

Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber

Platformer

A fun platformer. You hold the L and R buttons to make DK rotate around pegs (clockwise or counterclockwise) and propel himself forward to advance through stages. Momentum based gameplay with good challenge in the later stages. It has nice looking sprite work reminiscent of the Donkey Kong Country series for SNES.

2007

Dragon Ball Kai: Ultimate Butoden

Fightan

A heapload of fun fighting game with Dragon Ball Z's storyline (from Saiyan to Buu Saga), and similar gameplay from the 2D/3D/2.5D/what thefuckever Budokai games. 38 playable characters, cutscenes are done justice to the storyline, graphics are superb and relatable to the manga, and soundtrack is done great for a DS DBZ game; intro theme uses an instrumental of this . Also has a challenge mode, wifi 2 player connectivity, and a TF2 simulator . Surprisingly, this little gem never saw a release outside Japan; however, an almost complete translation patch is available here

2011

Dragon Ball Origins

Action / RPG

Had enough of Dragon Ball Z? Then play this awesome game where you go through the first chapters of Dragon Ball (up to the Tournament arc). You control both Goku and Bulma at the same time, being able to use either the controls or the stylus.

2008

Dragon Ball Origins 2

Action / RPG

Improved sequel to the above, in this one you control only Goku, but in some stages you can control other characters such as Krilin, Eighter and even Arale! This one takes you through the whole Red Ribbon arc as well as the Fortuneteller Baba arc.

2010

Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans

RPG

Developed by Monolith Soft. Take out them damn dirty apes before they take over your planet. A solid RPG that has great music, visuals, and a semi-active battle system (for blocking). Game is done in 2-D where you explore different areas and overcome obstacles by blowing them up. There is little to no stylus use.

2011

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen

RPG

A remake of the NES title that improves the improvements and the extra chapter that the PlayStation version received. Also has a new script, but for some reason party chat was removed. You control different characters in different chapters, and they all band together in the last (which is longer than all the others combined.)

2007

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride

RPG

Distant sequel to DQ4. Easily beats the SNES version. Widely considered the best DQ. Has the PS2 version upgrades, plus several new ones, and a new translation with party chat being restored. You get to use monsters in your party. They can use gear in addition to skills and magic. The excellent story will make you cry bitch tears, as you take part in the main character's trials from birth, early childhood, teen years, marriage, fatherhood, and beyond as he travels the world for the sake of his family.

2008

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation

RPG

Conclusion to the DQIV-V-VI generational trilogy. A well-made JRPG with a story centered on alternating between different worlds. Once you beat the first major boss (roughly 8 or so hours in), you'll unlock one of the most expansive class systems in the series, second only to 7's. You can also recruit different Slime allies who can be found in certain towns. They even change classes, and are great allies due to their elemental resistances. There's also a new (addicting) mini-game of Slime ice-curling.

2011

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

RPG

Take the role of a lost angel trying to regain your wings. Your party is completely customizable, even equipment changes your appearance. Features a DQ3-like job system of and the skill system and alchemy pot of DQ8. The main quest is a bit short compared to past games, but is expanded slightly upon in post-game quests. Most additional hours come from fighting bonus bosses in randomized Grottos. Also co-op multiplayer (unfortunately local-only) and (once-)downloadable sidequests.As for the online-exclusive stuff, you can get it with this handy tool. Useful as Nintendo's DS wifi support is done.

2010

Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime

Action / Adventure

You play as a Slime from Dragon quest, trying to save other slimes who have been kidnapped. Great gameplay that has Zelda-like exploration and a number of boss battles take place in giant tanks. The story is cute, non-serious, and squishy. Has a Japan-Only 3DS sequel with pirate ships instead of tanks and online multiplayer.I hope you like PUNS.

2006

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker

RPG / Monster Sim

Solid gameplay, very good 3D, and has online functions (i.e. AI controlled copies of the monsters of others) the online features have been disabled. Monsters' skill sets are customized similar to Dragon Quest 8's, which grants bonuses, magic, and abilities respective to the types of skill sets you level up. Monsters can also be equipped with gear. A pretty good intro to DQM (though Joker 2 is better), despite not quite matching the depth of the GBC games. Joker 2 kicks the shit out of this, but this is still kinda fun to mess around with. The two titles aren't compatible with each other, but J2 has nearly twice as much content anyways. Has a legendary USA commercial.

2007

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2

RPG / Monster Sim

Take Joker 1 and overhaul the fuck out of it. Non-Professional version, but still great. 300+ monsters to recruit and/or synthesize with skills from the game's huge skill tree list (240+ trees!). You can even scout a few monsters from your DQ9 and DQ6DS carts through tag mode! You can also tag other players and recruit copies of their monsters for yourself! Multiplayer no longer "AI copy"-only outside of a small few modes.The series continues with Dragon Quest Monsters 3D, the remake of the 1st DQM with Terry, which has new monsters and EVERY monster from DQMJ2's Pro edition.

2011

Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero

Action

Also known as Eledees in PAL regions. Adventure game where you use these spirits called Omegas to help you in solving puzzles. They consume Elebits which are livings forms of energy that turn into Watts when collected with your capture gun. Watts are used in the game to power objects and the Omegas. Omegas can evolve if you spend these Watts on them where they become a bit more useful.

2009

Element Hunters

Action / RPG

Learn chemistry through violence! High speed Monster Hunter. Features awesome giant monsters, but actually allows you to jump on them instead of dodging. The sprites and models on the bosses are surprisingly stylish for a DS game. Has translated menus (via a patch) and a story no one gives a shit about.

2009

Elite Beat Agents

Music / Rhythm

Tap beats in tune with the music while men in suits dance in the background to help people. Help a retired baseball player fight a fire golem, help Leonardo Da Vinci draw the Mona Lisa while bullfighting, and save the world from aliens. Way more awesome than it sounds. Hard for those who haven't played music games before (mostly on later sections). The replay value is in the extra difficulties, which will beat anyone down and some secret stages unlocked, one of them being a Doom parody.

2006

Etrian Odyssey

RPG / Dungeon Crawler

Brutal first person RPG inspired by old classics like Wizardry and the original Bard's Tale. Offers tons of character customization. Unfortunately, certain classes are almost necessary to get past the early levels. Be prepared for FOE FOE FOE! The sequels improve on this, but it is still solid.

2007

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard

RPG / Dungeon Crawler

The sequel offers a few minor improvements and rebalanced classes. You probably aren't playing for the story though, because you live for the challenge! You do get a a few bonuses here and there in EO2 for having a game-clear password from the first one, though (these are easily found online). Oh, and more of FOE.

2008

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City

RPG / Dungeon Crawler

Like the first two, but now you explore the seas and an underwater city, and all classes are completely new. The difficulty is more balanced and forgiving this time around and there's a new systems of item forging, customizing weapons, and you can even use dual classes in this game. If you are new to these kind of games, start with this one (though going back to 1 and 2 will be kind of tough). Protip: Get a prince(ss) and put skill points into the passive healing abilities. And your favorite pal, FOE, makes a comeback.

2010

Exit DS

Puzzle / Platform

Stylish & fascinating puzzle from Taito. DS version can be controlled by buttons or stylus.

2008

Fast Food Panic

Sim

The perfect mix between Cooking Mama and Diner Dash. Customers come in, you get their orders and cook away a la Cooking Mama. The catch is that every recipe has multiple steps, and you can change between recipes in the middle of a step to cook as fast as you can or to serve the customers that are getting impatient first. Add some random events and you have a frantic and unusual take on the time-management genre.

2010

Feel The Magic: XY/XX

Minigame

Awesome game by Sonic Team in which you try to save the love of your life through several really wacky and original minigames. Great visuals and jawsome tunes, and if you're a dirty bastard you can also collect clothes for the girl. Known in Europe as Project Rub. So remember, the next time you find yourself dealing with a bull stampede, killer plants, or a static electricity fight with your arch-enemy: RUB IT!

2004

The Rub Rabbits

Minigame

Sequel to Feel the Magic. More crazy minigames, silhouette love, and silly fun. Full of extras, such as a (short) secondary storyline, a baby-making game for you and your (non-existent) significant other, and Hullabaloo, a simple party game that's basically twister for your hands. An enormous amount of dress-up options for the girl, including clothing you can design yourself will surely cater to the ten-year-old-girl in you. Harder difficulties provide obscene difficulty. A bit different from the original, but you should play them both, like this one says to. "Warning! Continuous stroking, touching, and blowing may cause unwanted attention in public places."

2005

Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain

RPG / Dungeon Crawler

A First-Person dungeon crawling RPG that mainstream reviewers hated because it was too hard. Based on the gamebook of the same name. Doom-like as it has 3D environments with 2D enemies (AKA billboarding), MPH controls and tons of loot. Protip: Archery, Curse weapons and Berserk make a good skill combo (for the first playthrough anyway) and there is exploit to loot locked chests.

2009

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

Action / RPG

The first of the Crystal Chronicles for the DS. It's may not be as favorable as EoT, but it has some favorable things that EoT doesn't. The story is much more interesting than EoT and you play the game with up to 4 characters at your command each with unique abilities, which makes this the puzzle solver of the duo. Has multiplayer, but you might as well play EoT for that.

2007

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

Action / RPG

The last DS title in the Crystal Chronicles spin-off series. Blows RoF out of the water in every aspect except story (this one is just a mindbender). The DS and Wii versions are the same (as in literally the same game with the exact same graphics), though the DS one is played online more than the Wii one on /v/. Unfortunately, the online is extreme lag with about half a second input lag. Look at PS0 if you want online play on a portable.

2009

Final Fantasy III

RPG

A fully 3D remake of Final Fantasy III, which was previously never officially released outside of Japan. Unlike the NES version, the orphans have a bit of individual background this time, and there's bonus content; however, most you have to unlock by sending messages back and forward via friend codes. As usual, there are many classes to choose from and to level up, but choose wisely. If you haven't played it yet, now is the time to do so. Also available on iPhone without MogNet.

2006

Final Fantasy IV

RPG

A fully 3D remake of the SNES game. Includes decent voice-acted cut scenes and a new ability system designed to offer a modicum of customization in the least-customizable FF game to date. Also of note is the increased difficulty over previous ports of the game. Arguably, the best version of FF4 currently available.

2007

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

RPG / Strategy

The sequel to the GBA game, BUT laws can no longer make missions non-winnable, and jail has been removed. The worst part of breaking the law is being unable to revive allies until the end of battle. Enemies are above the law (as now Judges are tied to the clan itself), but your team gains "priveleges" such as boosted attack or speed, as long as you stay within the law. Side-quests are much more varied and really carry the weight of the game through their stories, which are badass. More classes, more races, more abilities. Shitload of content to keep you busy. Make sure not to stick to the main quest, its story is garbage. Game is slow as balls too; only for those with patience or playing in small bursts.

2008

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light

RPG

Made by the same people who gave you III and IV remakes on the DS. A classic fantasy-RPG reminiscent of the FF 1 and 3 but with its own twists. A couple of things to note is the "Charge" command in place of magic points and that you can switch jobs using the crown system.

2010

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

RPG / Strategy

A remake of the original Fire Emblem. You know, the one with Marth. Features online play and the usual Fire Emblem jazz. If you've played any Fire Emblem game before, you know exactly what to expect. Quite dull in terms of presentation, but is fine strategically. One new addition is that you can change the characters' classes, which might sound like a deviation from tradition, but it works well. A small few units are only recruitable if you lose some of yours, but you'll only tend to see them in the brilliantly strategic and twisted 5 star difficulty mode. Nintendo fixed this in the sequel and let you recruit everyone in one run. ALL 77. Too bad it isn't out overseas despite SD selling well.

2008

Fire Emblem: Shin Monshō no Nazo ~Hikari to Kage no Eiyū

RPG / Strategy

Did you like Shadow Dragon? If you did, you probably were very pissed when the developers said that the sequel (Or remake of the sequel) wasn't going to be released outside of Japan, especially considering how much BETTER the second title was going to be. But let me tell you something: FUCK THAT. A bunch of really cool guys translated pretty much the entire game, and now you can actually play this. Your own custom unit, improved art, support conversations, old and new characters to play with: It's all here. Get the patch here, and thank the glorious people that made it while you're at it. This is a direct sequel to the game above, so don't play this before finishing the first but Shadow Dragon is pretty weak, and the plot is quite straightforward, so feel free to jump ahead to this one if you want.

2010

Flower, Sun, and Rain

Adventure / Puzzle

Take all the detective puzzle games on the DS, inject them with many drugs, and you get this. Contains a very unique atmosphere unlike anything else. Made by Suda51, so that's expected. If you're searching for a really strange, unusual, and surreal experience, look no further.

2008

Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland

Action / RPG

A quirky game where you take control of everyone's favorite little faggot, Tingle. Everything runs off rupees; combat, the goal of the game, everything. This was released in Japan and Europe, but not the U.S. obviously because of general American up-tightness towards sex issues. Also, this game made Tingle a man.

2006

Front Mission DS

RPG / Strategy

An enhanced port of Front Mission 1st (PS1 remake of the original SNES Front Mission). Being based off of that, you can play the USN scenario aside from the original OCU one, which further explains the events of the 2nd Huffman Conflict. As an enhanced port, it has lots of extras, including 10 secret missions, characters from other FM games, and even more wanzer parts. A second Front Mission exists on the DS, but it's JP only (FM 2089: Border of Madness). If you liked this one, there are more FM games to check out: FM2, FM Alternative, and FM3 on the PS1, and FM4 and FM5 for the PS2. FM3 and FM4 were localized, while FM2 and FM5 were translated by hardcore fans who are also doing FM Alternative. There's FM Gun Hazard for the SNES, also translated by fans. The franchise's last game, FM Evolved, is an TPS spin-off which tries to be a mix of FM Gun Hazard and FM Online (PS2 JP only, but discontinued), but fails miserably.

2007

G.G. Series Collection Plus

Compilation

In Japan, there have been a series of games released for DSiWare called G.G. Series. This is a 30-game collection of most of those games plus many new ones. The games include platformers, shmups, puzzle games and other genres. If you have a love for 2D or classic gaming, you really need to check this one out. Note: The games require no knowledge of Japanese, but earning enough GP to unlock games fucking takes FOREVER, so it's highly recommended you use cheats to max out your money & access everything.

2010

Game & Watch Collection

Compilation

Fuck year super basic gaming! Unlike the G&W Gallery series for the Gameboy, these 2 collections don't enhance the visuals and add Nintendo characters. Original style only! Still addictive fun. The first has Donkey Kong, Green House, and Oil Panic. The second has Parachute, Octopus, and the third game, is a new game Parachute X Octopus (which sounds like a frightening hentai) with Parachute on the top, and Octopus on the bottom: BACK AND FORTH. You can only "technically" get these from Club Nintendo but it's better than some fucking folders or screensaver.

2006

Geometry Wars Galaxies

Shoot 'em Up

When you turn on this game, you better be fucking ready. Expect colours, particles, killer shapes, and a huge fucking multiplier. Adds a nice RPG element where you level up a drone to save your ass, like a true bro. Remember to use a fucking screen protector on your lower screen because the game will fuck it up if you don't. Can link with the Wii version to unlock the final levels.

2007

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Adventure / Puzzle

By the writer of the Ace Attorney series, and set in the same universe to boot, according to him. You have been killed and became a ghost with amnesia and the ability to possess objects. You have 'til dawn to discover your identity and why you where killed using your powers to set ridiculous Rube Goldberg machines in order to save people from dying (oh, right, you can time-travel four minutes before someone's recent death). If you like visual novels, then play it because it has really great characters and solid writing. Sadly, it's a tad too short and easy (5-6 hours if you don't get stuck), but mostly because the story has close to no padding.

2010

Giana Sisters DS

Platformer

Take the Amiga cult classic and add a shitload of new levels, music and spritework. Still a total rip-off but still good. The difficulty is nowhere near the original though, so everybody can enjoy this. Now available damn near every main region, except Japan, because, you know, the brothers would be history. Also on iOS in normal and HD variants.

2009

Glory of Heracles

RPG

The fifth game, but the first of the Greek-themed RPG series to make it overseas, and an excellent entry. Takes elements from previous GoH games and adds new ones. It features OPTIONAL touch-screen power boosts to your skills and magic (akin to Mario RPG). An intriguing adventure done by an ace team of old-schoolers from Data East. Recommended to buy as it's worth every Drachma and goes fairly cheap, too. A bit easy, but features some post-game content to extend play-time.

2010

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn

RPG

A sequel to the GBA classics, this time with 3D graphics and alot more animation and fluidity. Thankfully, they've managed to keep the artstyle and gameplay consistent with the GBA games. Still has giant walls of text and the difficulty is very low, but if you liked the GBA games and are looking for a nice little RPG, give this a try. Considered not as great as the GBA games and says fucks you with PONRs.

2010

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Action / Sandbox

Uses a top-down perspective similar to early GTA games. Looks pretty and plays extremely smoothly. Don't expect it to go easy on the story just because it's on the DS. Ported to PSP with 'better' graphics but is amazingly poor on that.

2009

Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands

Sim

Great control improvements on the previous installments with the option of choosing to play with the stylus OR the gamepad. Same great Harvest Moon gameplay with characters introduced in the previous game.

2008

Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar

Sim

Yet more Harvest Moon. Feels kind of dumbed down, the game is 5 screens large so that says something. The NPCs and waifus are pretty boring too, but the game is more focused on manufacturing and items-creating than the other HMs, so if that was one of your favorite aspect, check it out. Also yes, mining is gone.

2010

Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns

Sim

Stamina and crops are simplified and are made easier with trenches making watering much faster. Choose between the rival villages of Bluebell which focuses on animal care-taking and Konohana focusing on your ordinary crop growing, nothing much new done with either sadly. And tool and farm upgrades are only done once per season to force you to play longer. Also boring fetch quests. Well... enjoy the new characters and story.

2011

Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure

Platformer / Puzzle

Despite the EA name, this hybrid platformer/puzzler is right Cracking! The top screen is a standard platformer, but with walljumps and sword fighting, while the bottom is a puzzle game that ties neatly to the gameplay. Plus, it features a badass British gentleman, who's anything but stereotypical. You can even get the jolly-good soundtrack off EA's site FOR FREE! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

2009

Hero's Saga Laevatein Tactics

RPG / Strategy

A strategy game with a fun battle system. Also all the characters are Spanish for some reason, amigo.

2009

Hokuto no Ken: Hokuto Kami Denshousha no Michi

ATATATATATA simulator

This game presents the story of The Fist of the North Star as manga panels. Whenever a bad guy appears in a panel, targets will appear over him and you'll have a few seconds to ATATATATATA the targets with your stylus. Starts easy, but when the game adds other objectives (numbered targets, paths to follow, go back and forth between two points) it gets really fun.

2008

Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Adventure

A game by Cing, the creators of Trace Memory; this game is a little more refined than their previous title. Explore the eerie Hotel Dusk while unraveling the mystery behind it. Fantastic atmosphere, great characters and a nice art style make this a must play. Not much replay value, though. "I got myself a paper clip."

2007

Last Window: The Secret of Cape West

Adventure

The sequel to Hotel Dusk. It was released in Japan and Europe only, but you can import it since all DS games are region-free. Everything great about the prequel is also in this game, and is also a must play.

2010

Illust Logic DS + Colorful Logic

Puzzle

Picross plus a few more other features where there are also puzzles that use color. You could also solve pieces of a bigger picture somewhat like in Picross 3D. Animations and small minigames are gone though. It's in moonspeak but still playable.

2007

Inazuma Eleven

Sports / RPG

A soccer action RPG title from Level 5. Yes, a soccer RPG. The RPG part has you recruit thousands of players to your team, develop their stats and have them learn new techniques. The battles are super fun, using the stylus to move the players around, pass, kick and summon a fucking fire dragon to score a goal. Story and chars are so-so. EU and JP only. If you don't like glorious British accents, there's an undub. Sequels are confirmed for a Q1 release in the west! And there's an open translation for the 3rd game going on The translation project for the third game had stopped since IE3 was confirmed for release in the European 3DS eShop, and IE1 was officially released in the American 3DS eShop as well (both are tweaked versions, part of the JP-only trilogy compilation). Jolly good cooperation!

2008 (JP), 2011 (EU)

Infinite Space

RPG / Strategy

Build and customize ships, battle space pirates and take over the galaxy. Deeper systems than a lot of DS strategy games. Tons of sidequests and missable shit. Your character is The Generic Young Hero but at least he gets a Garlock-makeover halfway through the story. Battles are slow paced but still manage to be fun. Note: Don't buy fake flowers for sickly lolis unless you want them to grow up as evil dominatrices who will try to kill you.

2009

Izuna 1 & 2

RPG / Roguelike

Like other roguelikes, dungeons are randomly generated. Except these have sets separate from each other, with bosses at the end of them, making for a more casual-styled approach. That said, it's still brutal with traps and ambushes. Thankfully though, you can explore with two characters at a time, and when both die, they only lose gear, not their levels or stats. Because of the quick-burst style gameplay, it is a bit easy. If you want a MUCH harder game, consider Shiren the Wanderer.

2007

Jam With The Band / Daigasso! Band Brothers DX

Music / Rhythm

Play a wide variety of songs with a bunch of instruments. MIDI like music means all your screw-ups and shitty improvs come out of the speakers. About 7000 songs available for download, but the whole mess about music licensing means you can't delete any (and you only have space for 100 of them). You can't download them on a flash cart, instead you need to find saves with songs pre-loaded or use programs for importing/exporting individual songs within a save. Also released in Europe with a halved download limit. Same deal about flashcards still applies. The game also contains a nearly full-featured composer with 50 instruments, with 100 slots independent from the download slots. In fact, almost all of the songs available to the Japanese are user submissions. Not to be mistaken with the Japan-only prequel from 2005, "Daigasso! Band Brothers", which honestly hasn't aged very well. You can check a trailer here

EDIT

As of 2014 the online service for these games has shut down taking with it many files that were hosted on the service. The only way to aquire new songs is to manually download them (The BDX Mega Pack is full of music files for this game and is the best way to get BDX files right now) and insert them into your save file. For this you will require a flashcart. Go to the Jam with the Band Wiki for details on how to do this.

2008 (JP), 2010 (EU)

Jump! Ultimate Stars

Fighting

A Smash-Bros-esque fighter with a fuckton of animu characters (unfortunately, though, only JUMP!-exclusive ones) and cameos. The roster will appeal both to classic animu fans (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Fist of the North Star, Dragon Ball, Kinnikuman, One Piece, etc.) and modern weeaboos (Nayrutoe, Bleach, etc.). Has online play, but everyone uses cheat codes. In addition, the community is filled with petty people who, upon losing, will use a glitch that forces everyone to reset the game. Highly recommended to play with friends. Improved sequel to Jump! Super Stars, also on the DS. Full translation available.

2006

Kaiju Busters / Kaiju Busters Powered

Action / RPG

The DS version of Monster Hunter. Stays true to the formula of using giant weapons to fight huge monsters, but uses monsters from old Japanese monster movies. The game is entirely in moonspeak, and the chances of a patch are low, but the language barrier isn't overwhelming. Actually has 3 player local co-op. Make sure to use the Universal Child's Play patch.

2009

Ketsui Death Label

Shoot 'em Up

Boss Rush version of the popular shooter by Cave. Loads of difficulties and a weird ass multiplayer. It's got some weird Japanese humor on it if you can understand moonspeak.

2008

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Action / RPG

A sidegame of the KH series. Focuses largely on Organization XIII, the villains from KH2 and Chain of Memories. Unsurprisingly, there are massive gay undertones in the main story. Takes a very few concepts from Chain of Memories, but plays like the traditional KH formula, except stages are broken up into missions and there are many different enemies and bosses. There's a bonus mode that lets you play missions as other XIII members which is very cool and characters (even Donald, Goofy, and Mickey) and you can even multiplayer locally. Hope you like sea salt ice cream.

2009

Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded

Action / RPG

Has different sorts of gameplay in the worlds and bosses, but in the main action (which is the majority), you can customize Sora with a Sphere Grid-like system, and fight enemies with Birth By Sleep's battle system. Like The World Ends With You, you can tweak difficulty and loot payoff options. Although it rehashes stages and enemies, it remixes any expectations unpredictably well, has a good deal of extras and post-game content, and returns to the light-hearted feel from KH1. Second best sidegame after Birth by Sleep. Got some low reviews from sites, because idiots don't know how about the options menu, or care to access the cool extras. Different enough from 358/2 Days that you should get both if you like.

2011

Kira Kira Pop Princess / Pop Town

Music / Rhythm

Loli rhythman, dancan, and dressan up. Most manly game ever. What more do you want? An undub to get rid of the terrible English voices? Here Original Japanese title was Pinky Street Kira Kira Music Hour. The sequel, Pop Town (AKA Pinky Street Kira Kira Music Night) has a hard mode and stars the rival girl. Unfortunately, there is no undub for it. All clothing pieces are from actual Pinky Street figurines, for the collector in you.

2006

Kirby Canvas Curse

Platformer

Tries something completely different and is touch-screen only. Instead of sucking things up and platforming like usual, you draw paths for Kirby to roll on. You can still copy powers, which is required for some bonuses. There's also bonus characters to unlock with different powers. Most of the game is fun and cute-looking, and the soundtrack is filled with groovy Kirby remixes, but it has really fucking annoying water levels.

2005

Kirby Squeak Squad

Platformer

A traditional Kirby title, and the weakest on DS. It's fun, but damn is it short. You can beat it in less than a day. Probably a good intro title for a kid to get into Kirby, though. You can find a few scrolls to upgrade abilities slightly and a new feature lets you save items and combine them for later use in Kirby's void of a stomach, which makes this even easier than it already is. Called Kirby Mouse Attack in Europe.

2006

Kirby Super Star Ultra

Platformer

A remake of the SNES classic with some new content. New game modes and spinoffs, slightly updated visuals and new FMVs. A must have for any Kirby or 2D platformer fan.

2008

Kirby: Mass Attack

Platformer / Strategy

Kirby's split into 10 by some asshole so he seeks to return to normal. You control "Kirbys" with the touchscreen, guiding them constantly in clearing obstacles, fighting, exploring, etc. Each alone isn't too strong either, but with several, they can tackle tougher enemies and obstacles. Each only takes 2 hits before dying, but you can revive them if you're fast or eat food to make a new one. Not so casual, but actually a bit frantic. Several puzzles need X# of Kirbys to complete, thus raising tension to keep 'em alive. Check it in action HERE. The mini-game modes are also kickass, including pinball, racing, and a semi-RPG mode.You will not believe how much senseless death and destruction there is in this game.

2011

Knights in the Nightmare

RPG / Strategy

The fourth in the "Dept. heaven' saga (along with Riviera and Yggdra Union, while the third has not been made). You control the wisp with the stylus to activate the spirits of your dead soldiers in a very strange mix of bullet hell, chess and SRPG. The story is told through flashbacks as you progress through the game. After beating the game you unlock new game +, where it presents a "what if?" situation with a new protagonist. The last half of the game drags on between intense boss battles, but is still an excellent game if you can get into it. Also features tons of characters and an hour long tutorial (optional).

2008

Know How 1&2

Puzzle

Remember those puzzles where you had to move cars in a parking lot to make a way for you to take your car out? This game is about that, but with blocks instead of cars. To spice things up, this games introduce other kinds of blocks and some interesting mechanics that make these two fun and interesting takes on the rush hour puzzles. NOTE: Know How 2 is DSi-enhanced so it is region-locked. However, it got a US release as "Brainstorm Series: Treasure Chase", and Know How 1 also got a US DSiWare release as "Blockado: Puzzle Island" for only $5.

2008

Konami Classic Series: Arcade Hits

Compilation

↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

2007

The Legend of Kage 2

Platformer

It took them just 24 years to make a sequel to this classic arcade game. You choose from either Kage or the newcomer Chihiro and go do ninja things like slaying demons, kill other ninjas, look badass and jump high. VERY HIGH!

2008

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Action / Adventure

The touch controls take getting used to, and the game is mostly easy and kind of linear, but that goddamn Temple of the Ocean King is the most off-putting. Forced stealth, non-killable enemies, and arbitrary time limits in that are a dick. Somehow the rest of the game has managed to make a good chunk of fans enjoy it (others plain hate it). Sequel to The Wind Waker so, if you never played that one, brace for some minor spoilers. Spirit Tracks below is preferable for newcomers.

2007

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Action / Adventure

Sequel to Phantom Hourglass that improves on its predecessor. The game is still easy and linear (on-rails even), but mixes things up every so often. There's a re-occurring dungeon like the Temple of the Ocean King, but all of the flaws have been removed and/or fixed. Oddly enough, it has some very memorable parts, likable characters, one of the best final boss fights in the series, some of the best music in the series. PROTIP: Wait for the camera to center on Link before you start flute-playing. OTHERWISE IT WILL MESS UP THE ENTIRE SONG. EVERYBODY GETS STUCK ON THIS AT SOME POINT. EVERYBODY.

2009

The Legendary Starfy

Platformer

Cute game, awesome for youngsters, but still fun enough for an old bag like you. The sprite graphics are great with bright and colorful 3D parallax backgrounds. The game is extremely easy, but has tons of stuff to collect and many many extras. The story is nice and cute too. Densetsu no Stafy 4 is also on the DS but JP only. The others are on GBA and also JP only. Luckily, none of these games require much, if any, reading.

2008

Lego Rock Band

Music / Rhythm

Basically Rock Band: Unplugged for the DS, plus cute.

2009

Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ

Shoot 'em Up

It's a fun, semi-typical shmup-run 'n gun hybrid, but bosses are taken from fairy tales and shit, except zombified and horror themed. It can be rage inducing hard at times (dodging is your friend). The full game is available on DSiware for just 800 points.

2008

Lock's Quest

Strategy / Defense

Fun little tower defense game, perfectly suited for the DS. Also has multiplayer.

2008

Logic Cubes

Puzzle

A collection of puzzles centered around squares. Has 50 levels of 10 different puzzles, including cool ones you have probably played before like the typical Pokémon ice cave puzzle, the one in Zelda where you have to walk on every tile of the floor without passing over the same tile twice, Professor Layton's use-these-tetraminoes-to-make-a-hat puzzle, and even a version of Loopop Salad. Sadly, you can't choose a level, you have to start the 50 levels challenge every time you want to see the second level again. At least you can save mid challenge.

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Loopop Cube: Loop * Salad DS

Puzzle

Think Sokoban as a 2D platformer, with a loli on top. Puzzler where you push blocks around to bring them together and make them disappear. Sounds simple and even looks it at first but these are really tough - and there are hundreds of puzzles. Also features the sweetest music ever (subtitled if you care).

2010

Lost in Blue Series

Adventure / Survival Sim/ Lost: The Game

Interesting survival sim about castaways, their adventure on the island and (maybe) their eventual rescue. You should feel at home if you're a fan of these types of stories or played Survival Kids on the Game Boy before. The first game has the best storyline, the second makes the girl useful, the third is a complete crock that even hardcore fans have a hard time enjoying.

2005, 2007, 2008

LostMagic

RPG / Strategy

An RPG game where you and the monsters you capture go fight evil. To call upon the magics of earth, water, fire, wind, darkness and light, you must draw their various symbols. Different stronger magics use different combinations of these symbols. There are a lot of different spells to learn and monsters to collect. This is a touchscreen-heavy game and your lower screen WILL suffer, but it's still worth every minute.

2006

Love Plus

Dating Sim

An extremely popular Dating Sim from Japan, widely considered by some of the Japanese to be the killer app for the Nintendo DS. You get to choose one of three girls to date, you must get the girl to love you and you can kiss her by tapping her lips on the touchscreen. Much, MUCH harder than it seems. Since it is designed with realism and complexity in mind, you have to be careful with your choices. Less kawaiidesu and more "Dating for Dummies". May give you feels by the time the kissing with the stylus time comes on. Has a girl's version with Bishonuen instead of Moe girls which is listed below. Translation is here

2009

Luminous Arc series

RPG / Strategy

The first one has a great story but downgraded graphics and gameplay. The second one boasts some nice improvements over the original that make it worth playing. Luminous Arc 3 is in Japanland only, though a translation is in progress. Overall pretty easy, but great for anime fans. These games have lots of fanservice and take about 200 hours to reach 100%. Lots of breasts, oh god what the fuck breasts everywhere ma'am what are you doing.

2007, 2008, 2009

Lunar Knights

Action / Adventure

Essentially Boktai 4, but with all the MGS-lite stealth elements from the previous games gutted out. What's left is a fun but very clunky isometric hack-and-slash. Works off an in-game system rather than real solar sensors, but you can use the sensors from one of the original Boktai carts if you insert it in the GBA slot. Each provides different additional bonuses. Vampire purifications are replaced with touch screen shooting minigames where you fly the vampires into space.

2006

Maestro! Jump in Music

Music / Rhythm

You follow Presto, your happy-go-lucky bird protagonist, on hunt for all the music notes in the world, having been nicked by the big baddy in the bizarre opening movie. Your goal is to help him overcome the various obstacles in his path, using your stylus to pluck strings and hit monsters. You can even sing along with the mic (don't worry, it's optional). OH SOLE MIOOO.

Also available on iOS.

2009 (EU), 2010 (NA DSiWare)

Magical Starsign

RPG

A bunch of kid wizards travel in space to find their professor. Cool planet system where if a home planet of a type of magic is in a certain alignment, it will receive a bonus or penalty. Also, you can tap to boost spells or defend a la Paper Mario.

2006

Magician's Quest: Mysterious Times

Sim

Also known as Enchanted Folk and the School of Wizardry. Animal Crossing clone with Harry Potter mixed in, that lets you get into all sorts of trouble and mischief.

2008

Magnetica

Puzzle

Yay, Magnetica! This little puzzler is available literally everywhere and in every format on WiiWare as well, and not without reason. It's THAT good. Besides, touch controls are a natural match for this game.

2006

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Action / RPG

BAYBIES

2005

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Action / RPG

This third entry of the M&L series is arguably the best of the series. If you hated Partners in Time for its obnoxious babies, lack of Fawful, irritating controls, complete linearity, or just not being as good as Superstar Saga, then you will love this game. Goes relatively cheap at some places, and is worth buying.

2009

Mario Hoops: 3 on 3

Sports

Play basketball with the cast of Mario Kart! Do some sick dunks, or sweet alley-oops. Easily one of the best Mario sports games. Just remember to pick up the coins.

2006

Mario Kart DS

Racing

The Mario Kart everyone loves, Blue Shells and all. Lots of tracks and online is fun (if you don't mind the snaking). You can play multiplayer even with people who don't have the game via DS Download Play (although they'll be stuck playing as Shy Guys). The 3DS one is better but this one is easily the second best.

2005

Mawashite Tsunageru Touch Panic

Puzzle

A pink ball wants to eat all the other balls and reach the goal, but the path is broken into tiles! In this puzzler, you have to rearrange the path so that your pink blob can eat the most balls and get to the goal within the time limit. Gets really intense when you have to eat a minimum of balls to pass the level within an unforgiving time limit. In Japanese, but completely playable even if you don't know the language

2006

Mega Man Star Force series

RPG

The spiritual successor to Battle Network. While it's definitely not as good as Battle Network, it's still worth a play if you liked them. 1 & 2 are pretty decent games. 3 happens to be fucking amazing for bringing back lots of discarded content, such as Program Advances and a remixed hybrid version of 3's Style Change and NaviSoul (the best version from 6, which kicked ass), and is arguably as good as BN 2 and 3.

2007, 2008, 2009

Mega Man Zero Collection

Action / Hack 'n Slash

This is a compilation of Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3, and 4. You can either play an "Easy Scenario", which takes you through all four with just one save slot (and, as the name states, an overall easier experience) or play each of them seperately and with its original difficulty. Completing each game unlocks 'mod cards' which you can use to change certain things in Mega Man Zero 3, like adding people to the base or upgrading your weapons. If you've never played the GBA versions, you better damn well play this.

2010

Mega Man ZX / Mega Man ZX Advent

Action / Hack 'n Slash

Sequel to Megaman Zero series. Big and complex levels, wonderful OST, selectable male/female protagonist. Difficulty level is less than Mega Man Zero, but there's fucking spikes everywhere because Inticreates is full of trolls. The second is preferable since the boss-weapon system is much cooler and the game is overall better.

2006, 2007 (Advent)

Metal Slug 7

Shoot 'em Up

It's what you'd expect from a Metal Slug game, right down to the RAWKET LAWN CHAIR. Not the strongest in the series, though still worth a shot. The art is just as smooth as other entries, but because of the DS' resolution it had to be scaled down, which makes it look kind of weird. There is a combat school mode that alows you to become awesome and befriend the moe drill instructor. Has an superior remix for the PSP, titled Metal Slug XX.

2008

Meteos

Puzzle

Sakurai's puzzle brainchild. Plays like Tetris Attack on crack, which is, not surprisingly, fucking awesome. Fire those bastards into space!

2005

Metroid Prime Hunters

Action / Adventure / FPS

An FPS that handles fairly decently. Controls sort of need some getting used to, otherwise online multiplayer is pretty fun unbalanced decent. Sequel is rumored to be in the works. Said to control a bit better on the 3DS thanks to the slider pad.

2006

Metroid Prime Pinball

Pinball

Samus rolled up into a ball and decided to be a pinball. You know how this works. Surprisingly good. Also: One of the few games that makes use of the DS Rumble Pack!

2005

Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes

Puzzle / RPG / Strategy

Do you like block/color matching puzzle games? Do you like strategy games? Do you like RPGs? Do you like all three of them combined into one glorious package? If yes, go buy this game. If no, go buy this game anyway. The character design is an odd choice, but the story, characterization, gameplay, and music all make up for it. Has an HD variant on big boy consoles, but this has awesome dual-screen duels (and honestly there is no reason for a game like this to be in HD anyway).

2009

Monster Rancher DS

Monster Sim / RPG

The same monster-raising, stat-building, tournament-fighting that Monster Rancher fans have come to expect. Instead of using CDs and DVDs to generate monsters, you can either draw on the touchscreen, record sound on the microphone, or read a GBA cartridge to make monsters. You can preserve a monster when it gets too old, and fuse monsters to make new ones, but the game punishes save-scumming by making your monster practically worthless for fusing.Actually the second Monster Rancher DS, but the first was never localized outside of Japan.

2008 (JP), 2010 (NA)

Monster Tale

Action / Adventure / Platformer / Metroidvania

Members of the Henry Hatsworth team have rejoined forces as DreamRift to create a game that mixed Metroidvania with Monster World. You get a critter in the lower screen who can assist you in top/bottom/hybrid screen puzzles and fights. Not only that, but you help raise the little beast in various ways (like a Digimon, but less bullshit and more fun). Pretty easy.

2011

Moon

FPS / Survival Horror

Made by Renegade Kid, who made Dementium. This game is the team's second attempt at making a DS FPS/Horror game. This time, it's on the moon, hence the title. Responsive touch-screen controls, good looking environments and graphics, and fun boss fights. It's kind of on the short side, and never really TOO scary, but it's worth picking up. An improvement over Dementium.

Also got a remake/updated version on the 3DS with improved visuals, but the game is delivered in episodic format rather than one big package. It's largely the same as the DS version, so whether you want it on the 3DS or DS, or physical or digitally is up to you. The remaining 3 seasons are available for purchase.

2009

Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits

Puzzle

Doesn't really make much use of the DS's features, but hey, who needs 'em. Still a great game that's easy to play, but hard to master. US version is missing a extra character, along with Dristone mode (which is fucking amazing), so get the European version.

2004

Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer

RPG / Roguelike

This game is packed with content, such as puzzles, tons of weapons and items, and cool spell scrolls. Each area is randomly generated, making for a fresh experience each play-through. It's a roguelike, so it's brutal (i.e. lose stats and items after death, start at beginning) but not as brutal as some (you can pass on items through storage or be rescued via Wi-Fi). If you like this, try the Wii sequel, solely titled Shiren the Wanderer. Shiren 2, 4 and 5 are also on DS, in Japanese. The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games play almost identical, but with a Pokémon paintjob.

2008

N+

Platformer

A port of the popular (and free) flash game. Features a map editor and sharer and multiplayer modes. Also on Xbox 360 Arcade and PSP, but with different levels because the game developers are cool like that.

2008

Nanashi no Geemu

Adventure / Survival Horror

Developed and published by Square Enix, Nanashi no Geemu or "The Nameless Game" is a survival horror point-and-click adventure. It's a game about a game, a cursed handheld RPG that kills anyone who plays it after a week. You play most of the game in a 3D environment (like Dementium), with sections where you play the "cursed" game itself, playing like an 8-bit RPG. Has a great plot which can give some chills. It has 3D sound, so you should play with headphones. It's been only released in Japan. A full English translation is available here.

2008

Nanostray 2

Shoot 'em Up

Made by the Iridion II team, which was badass unlike Iridion 3D. Addresses the original's content problems by offering multiple schemes, allowing for a much better experience. The original isn't bad, but is a bit harder to get into and vertical only. The team is making a 3DS spiritual successor called Nano Assault.

2008

Neves

Puzzle

The best tangram collection for the DS (you might think there aren't many, but you'd be wrong. Tangrams are apparenty hot on the DS). The controls are tight and it has lots and lots of tangrams.

2007

Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

Adventure / Visual Novel

Developed by Chunsoft, written by the writer of Ever 17 (which, if you don't know, is excellent), and localized by Aksys. You wake up on a cruise liner with eight other people, and all of you have entered the "Nonary game", where you will put your life on the line. This game combines visual novel-esque story segments with "escape the room"-type puzzles. Instantly gripping, with some of the very best story-telling you'll see. The game has multiple endings, some happier than others, and it's worth it to play through to all of them. If you only play one VN, make it this one.You can check a trailer here Unfortunately for our fellow Europeans, there is no European release. (Thank God for region freedom!)

2010

Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

Action

Looks very nice, and the controls are pretty spot on. You hold your DS sideways and mostly use the touchscreen to play, which is different, but somehow fun. Has the brawling and platforming you'd expect from modern NG, but a little shorter and more compact.

2008

Ninjatown

Strategy / Defense

The other great tower defense game for the DS. Round, cute character designs and somewhat amusing characters. Sort of challenging unless you're going for A-ranks on everything, which is hard as hell.

2008

Nodame Cantabile/Nodame Cantabile Tanoshii Ongaku no Jikan desu

Music / Rhythm

The gameplay has an Ouendan feel to it, but replaces the J-pop with classical music. Also has other modes, one of them being a basic Taiko no Tatsujin. In Japanese, but with a little trial and error it should be easy to navigate the menus to the songs. In the story mode just click over every bear and you should be fine unlocking more songs. The sequel drops the Ouendan-like gameplay and replaces it with a mix of DDR and stylus gestures/taps. Still very fun, though.

2007

Nostalgia

RPG

Rather good retro-styled RPG in full 3D with excellent visuals, a rather unusual steampunk setting and lots of things to do besides and after the main storyline. The gameplay is rather easy (with surprisingly difficult battles popping out here and there), but does not boil down to mashing the attack button throughout the game. Also, those airship battles are breathtaking (for the first 50 times or so).

2008

One Piece Gigant Battle 2

Fighting

Pretty good One Piece game for the DS, take control of a fuckload of characters from the show and just battle that shit out. First game released in Europe, but sadly, this one has yet to see any port whatsoever.

2011

Okamiden

Action / Adventure

Much better than Zelda DS games, a fine sequel that stays true to the spirit and tone of the original. Brush techniques work wonderfully well on DS. Also, the protagonist is the most fucking adorable thing you'll ever see in a video game. Also worth mentioning the game is 30 fucking hours. It controls significantly better on the 3DS thanks to the circle pad.

2011

Ontamarama

Music / Rhythm

Another rhythm game, but in this one you must use the D-pad AND the touchscreen to play, which is harder than it sounds. Press or circle some balloon-animal thingies with your stylus to charge incoming arrows, and use the D-pad to follow the arrows and the rhythm. Check this link if you didn't get all that. Disoriented? You will be.

Same idea and the basis for Elite Beat Agents, except instead of American pop/rock you get J-pop and J-rock instead. Near-Gurren Lagann levels of HOTBLOODEDNESS to be found. The sequel features a second "rival" team that you play half of the songs as. Obviously, Japanese only, but if you played Elite Beat Agents, you won't have a problem. OUEN, DAI SEI KOHHH!

2005, 2007

Pang Magical Michael

Puzzle

Go back to 1989 with this new release of the classic arcade game Pang/Buster Bros. The same ol' balloon-popping action you loved in the arcades, it was even published by Mitchell, one of the publishers of the original game (the other being Capcom).

2010

Peggle Dual Shot

Puzzle

It's the DS iteration of one of PopCap's most popular money cows, Peggle, and it's as addicting as ever. Shoot balls from a cannon at the top of the screen and try to ricochet and hit as many targets on the screen as you can before the balls reaches the bottom screen. It's really fun and severely addicting, plus the touch controls work great for precision shots. If you can get past the cartoony animals that are always on the top screen for the whole world to see, you're in for a treat.

2009

Phantasy Star Zero

RPG

Phantasy Star Online's awesome little brother. Character creation has huge customization opportunities. Has online play and multiplayer, which is a blast with a group. The main story is okay, and even changes a bit depending on the type of character you create. Each one has implied tentacle molestation though...

2008

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Adventure / Visual Novel

The first in the series. Take control of Phoenix Wright while you object like the motherfucking fist of the north star. Has an extra case exclusive to the DS version, which is awesome. It also has a version on the Wii, but the fifth case has to be purchased separately.

2005

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Justice For All

Adventure / Visual Novel

The second entry in the series; while it's generally considered the weakest (along with Apollo Justice), the fuckwin final case makes up for it. The thing with this game is that its weakest case is the worst case in the series, but its final case is considered to be one of the best if not the best in the series, so it really pays off. Plus Franziska. This, too, has a version on the Wii.

2007

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations

Adventure / Visual Novel

Phoenix's last game on DS, and it is one hell of a ride. The final case is mind blowing. This is also available on the Wii.

2007

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney

Adventure / Visual Novel

A revamp of the series, with a new protagonist. While considered one of the weakest in the series, it's still pretty rockin' (literally). Includes DS-exclusive features from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney's extra case.

2008

Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth / Gyakuten Kenji 2

Adventure

You know what this game has? Franziska. You know what this game doesn't have? Magic. Any questions? Of course not. While this is a very nice game in itself, it really shines with its meta-humor so be sure to play the other games first (which includes the original Phoenix Wright trilogy as well as Apollo Justice.) Step back, I'm gonna try LOGIC! The slightly better Gyakuten Kenji 2 (AAI2) is Japan-only, but there's a very well done English fan translation.

2010

Planet Puzzle League

Puzzle

Puzzle League's great gameplay coupled with the DS's touch-screen and online multiplayer make for a fantastic version of an old classic. There's also a 1-player version for DSiWare, which is good practice if you don't like carrying extra cards around.

2007

Plants vs Zombies

Strategy / Defense

If you don't know Plants vs Zombies you statistically don't exist. So do yourself a favor and play this great tower defense game so that you can exist. The main differences with the PC version are one less seed slot and one mode that uses the microphone, but they don't make this game any less fun.

It's picross, except with a cube instead of a grid. Beginner friendly with decent challenge later on. Protip: do the long ass tutorial. If you like puzzle games at all, check this out!

2009

Pic Pic

Puzzle

Like picross as you solve puzzles to create a picture but with different puzzles. There are three modes with 400 pictures to create for each (1200 pictures): Maze, Connect Numbers (ex:4-4), and fill in the 9x9 area with the number in the middle (ex: number is 6, 6/9 blocks are black, 3/9 blocks are white).

2007

Color Cross

Puzzle

Picross with a twist. Instead of using one color, the pictures in this game use a lot of them, and every one of them has their own set of numbers to follow. Think of it as a lot of picross inside a large picross, and then the problem is to solve them in a way that makes every little picross fit inside the large one.

2008 (EU), 2010 (NA)

Pokémon Platinum

RPG / Monster Sim

Gotta catch 'em all, just like the three previous generations. The updated version of Diamond and Pearl, it includes a greater variety of Pokémon native to Sinnoh, graphical updates and a deeper storyline, as well as revamped gyms and battles brought up from 'snail' speed to 'turtle' speed. Includes tons of stuff to do over Wi-Fi once the game is finished. Diamond and Pearl are really only worth playing these days for historical/sentimental value (if such things can really be applied to Pokémon games).

2008

Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver

RPG / Monster Sim

Pokémon as you know it, but with nostalgia-goggles cranked up to the max. You can have any Pokémon (yes, even Wailord) waddle around behind you. Remake of what people will argue is the best iteration in the series, while remaining very similar to Platinum. Much longer than most Pokémon games, as you can continue on to Red and Blue's Kanto region after you finish the main Johto campaign.

An item called GBPlayer can be used to play the original music too, which is pretty cool, I guess FUCKING FANTASTIC.

2009

Pokémon Black and White

RPG / Monster Sim

The fifth generation of Pokémon, taking place in the Unova region (sort of based on New York City and the surrounding area). A lot more plot-based than past installments. There's 156 new critters to find, and all 649 Pokémon have smoothly animated sprites in battle, which change when their HP is low or they have a status effect. The speed of the battles has been cranked up, so if you turn attack animations off then they'll be over in a flash, making level- and EV-grinding much less tedious. TMs have infinite uses now, so you needn't worry about who to give them to. It should also be noted that until you finish the main story, all of the Pokémon you'll see are new. Yup, no more Geodudes and Zubats. However, many of the new Pokémon feel like new counterparts of critters from the original games (Timburr is basically Machop with a log; there's also a bat and a rock). Apart from this, Black and White feels more fresh than past games - if you've lost interest in Pokémon due to the repetitive nature of the series, these two might rekindle your interest because once you go Black you never go back.

2011

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

RPG / Monster Sim

These are basically what "Pokémon Grey" would have been, but instead of being a normal special edition they're full blown sequels, set two years after Black & White 1. New story, new protagonist, new characters and more. Unova feels similar to how Kanto felt in Gold & Silver - it really feels like time has past since the previous titles, plus the route you take through the region is a bit different. Features a "Pokémon World Tournamant", which lets you battle Gym Leaders and other characters from previous games, including Red himself. Unlike Black & White, you can find Pokémon from previous generations during the main story. Yup, that means more Zubats.

One new quality of life change is how quickly you're thrown into the game - you get your starting Pokémon, Pokédex, Pokéballs and Running Shoes incredibly quickly compared to previous titles, and you can skip most of the tutorials.

2012

Pokémon Conquest

RPG / Strategy

Pokémon meets Nobunaga strategy RPG. You, with your trusty Eevee, travel throughout the region befriending Pokémon and battling Warriors and Warlords to conquer the region and unite it as one nation. Warlords can join the player's party once defeated, allowing the player access to more Pokémon. Probably one of the best Pokémon spin-offs out there.

2012

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky

RPG / Roguelike

Unlike the roguelikes above, it's hard to gauge difficulty here. Everyone's a Pokémon, and like Poké-games, have elemental weaknesses, so depending on what you and your partner are can make different dungeons easier or harder. The game is kind of quest-based, so unlike Izuna and Shiren, it's not entirely linear. You only lose your items when you die, since you keep your attacks. A different approach, but one worth trying. This game is surprisingly emotional at times and has a great soundtrack. The relatively low score is due to the reviewers believing that besides more pokemon, more areas, new mechanics and added subplots it wasn't new enough for a updated pokemon game. Overall this is the best of the PMD's and among the best Pokémon spinoffs.

2009

Princess Debut

Rhythm / Sim

You get to live the dream and be the little girl. In addition, you're also a princess. The ball will be held soon, and it's up to you to find yourself a dance partner/love interest. Dancing is done through stylus movements a la Elite Beat Agents, with difficulty depending on the song style. Find cute outfits, new songs, and possibly your true love in the manliest game of all time. Developed by Cave, who is most known for their INSANE bullet hell shooters, so this is quite the diversion for them.

2008

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Adventure / Puzzle

Lots of brain teasers and logic puzzles to wrap your head around, plus an enjoyable storyline and quirky characters. This reminds me of a puzzle...

2008

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

(Pandora's Box in Europe/Australia)

Adventure / Puzzle

Continues the story after the first Layton. Still awesome and look, professor! I found a puzzle! The story has some crazy twists this time.

2009

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future

'('Lost Future in Europe/Australia)

Adventure / Puzzle

The conclusion to the Professor Layton trilogy (but not the end of the series). The best Professor Layton so far with an awesome story and its ridiculous spoiler with some cooler mind-fucking puzzles.

2010

Professor Layton and the Last Specter

(Spectre's Call in Europe/Australia)

Adventure / Puzzle

The first game in a prequel trilogy, where we get to know how Layton met Luke. More of the same, but if you liked the first three Layton games, you will enjoy this one, too. The American, Australian and Japanese (but not the European) versions of the game include a "100+ hour" RPG, Professor Layton's London Life.

2011

Puchi Puchi Virus

Puzzle

"Pure awesome" is where the gameplay comes in, but that is an overestimation. All you need to do is wipe out virii before they take over the screen by tapping like colors to form triangles and tapping one of them again to get rid of all three. Of course, it's hardly that easy. Also has some crazy collectible cards of your patients.

2009

Puyo Puyo! 15th/20th Anniversary and Puyo Puyo 7

Puzzle

15th Anniversary includes classic and Fever modes along with a bunch of gimmick ones. A great package unless you really hate the aesthetics of the Fever series. There's online, but it's not very populated these days. A translation patch is available, and it calls Satan "Satan" instead of "Dark Prince". Puyo Puyo 7 has a few different characters (more like reskins), a new take on fever mode (Mini/Huge Mode) in favor of gimmicks, and a more active online community. Get your ass beat down by moon people or huge weeaboos. It also continues to include the classic modes. A full translation patch is available here, if you care about the riveting storyline or can't figure out how to navigate the menus.There's also a 20th Anniversary version for the DS and Wii, with all new gimmicks! (spoilers: they're not new.) Still worth checking out because hey, it's Puyo.

2006/2011, 2009

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

Puzzle / RPG

Your not-so-simple puzzle and RPG game. The pieces you match are gained in the form of mana which are then used to cast various spells that can cause damage, delay turns or cause status effects. You level up, allocate your stats points, learn new spells, and equip various equipment that don't just increase damage or defense. A version of this is availaible on DSiWare as well.

2007

Puzzle Quest 2

Puzzle / RPG

This is quite different from the previous Puzzle Quest. Some puzzle pieces are different, equipment is more simplified and more boring, and you explore dungeons that are linked together. You can no longer capture monsters, learn their skills, ride them, buy your stats and some other things like in the original. With those gone, they added in a load of minigames which are also solvable by matching three pieces.

The Puzzle Series is a Japanese series of really fun puzzle games designed by Nikoli, only the sudoku one was released in the US as Sudoku Gridmaster (Sudoku Master in EU). Some of the games in the series require you to know Japanese but these ones don't. Since all the instructions are in Japanese, you should check these links if you don't know how to play Slitherlink, Hitori, Akari, Nurikabe or Kakuro. Tip: To save in the middle of a puzzle, press Start, then Y, then A. Works in most the games in this series, except in Hitori, where it's Start > Up > Left > A.

2006-2007

Radiant Historia

RPG

An excellent and lengthy RPG offering brought stateside by Atlus, Radiant Historia will draw inevitable comparisons to the revered Chrono Trigger because the story is centered around time travel. However, here you enter specific scenarios in which you must fight (quick, grid-based, turn-based) battles and make strategic choices to succeed. Excellent production values and accomplished character/world design. Easily one of the best games on the DS.

2011

Resident Evil Deadly Silence

Action / Survival Horror

A port of the PlayStation original. Features updated controls and a new game mode. Graphics, sound and even FMV are mostly the same, and plays pretty faithfully to the original. If there isn't any other alternative, this will do.

2006

Retro Game Challenge

Minigame

Based on the popular Japanese show Game Center CX, where a comedian (Arino) plays old games and comments on them. If you're a veteran or amateur retro-gamer looking for a fix, check out RGC, which duplicates the feel of gaming in the 80's. Unlock various games (including a full RPG!), peruse gaming magazines for tips filled with retro lingo, scribble cheats on paper, and revel in in the 8-Bit heydays of gaming, complete with Engrish. Even though it's short and rather easy, give this blast to the past a try. The English voice acting isn't bad, per se, but if you want the real Shinya Arino commenting on your play instead of Yuri Lowenthal, the undub patch can be downloaded here. There is also a JP-only sequel which is superior for its SNES and GBC style games, but you'll only be able to play it by looking up guides since it features very text-heavy games. There's a fan translation patch out now, look it up.

2009

Rhythm Heaven

Music / Rhythm

The sequel to the (Japan only) GBA cult classic. Made by the people behind the WarioWare series. Basically a bunch of quirky, rhythm based minigames. Highly addictive with some great music.

2008

River City Super Sports Challenge

Fighting / Sports

A remix of the extreme sports game, Crash 'n the Boys, its prequel, and Nekketsu Kakutou Densetsu (an arena styled fighting game). Even though the speed and look takes some getting used to, it's pretty fun. Oddly enough, it's rife with cameos and nods to Kunio's old rivals, including a showdown with the motherfucking Dragon Twins.

2010

Robocalypse

Strategy

Watch this trailer. If that doesn't make you want to play the game, then you you're lying; you never watched the trailer. It features non-retarded funny dialogue, a great story, and easy-to-learn controls. The game is a bit on the easy side and a little short, but it does have a hard mode to make up for it.

2008

Rondo of Swords

RPG / Strategy

Like a mix of Shining Force and Fire Emblem, Rondo of Swords is about prince Serdic and his allies who must reclaim his throne from enemy forces. The story is decent, but can get pretty twisted depending on your key decisions. The combat involves making a path, striking through multiple enemies, and getting boosts from allies. Battles are fuck hard, but that's why you can retreat (when allowed to) to review your tactics and even send out allies to train and get supplies.

2008

Rooms: The Main Building

Puzzle

This is a really creative sliding tiles puzzler, despite the presentation being a little rough on the edges. Your character can walk between contiguous tiles and starts in a tile of the puzzle, the goal is in another tile of the puzzle, and you just have to reach the goal to win. But nothing can be this simple in a puzzler, so you have to face things like tiles with walls, telephones that can teleport you to another telephone, closets that swap tiles when you enter, ladders to get the tile above yours and all kinds of interesting obstacles.

2010

Rune Factory 1, 2, & 3

Sim

Harvest Moon with RPG elements. Surprisingly fun and addictive. Rune Factory 3 is by far the best one in the series. Combat in it sees a massive improvement, dozens of techniques can be learned and executed with weapon types that don't even make sense (e.g. Some sort of flashing sword technique with a HAMMER). Also one of your waifu can turn into a phoenix in battle to help you. Suggested that you play them in order, because the gameplay mechanics improves drastically in every sequel and you definitely won't be able to go back. Suggested tagline: Grow crops, fight monsters, level up, and plow your waifu. Has an undub if you want Japanese voices.

2007, 2008, 2010

SaGa 2: Hihou Densetsu - Goddess of Destiny

RPG

A remake of the RPG released in the US for the Gameboy as Final Fantasy Legend II. The remake does away with random encounters and replaces them with the system used in later SaGa games, where the monsters appear in the world map; stat growths are now based on the equipment used and there's a new multiplayer boss arena. In Japanese, but there's a fan translation.

2009

SaGa 3: Jikuu no Hasha - Shadow or Light

RPG

Much like the above, this is a remake of the Gameboy SaGa 3/Final Fantasy Legend III, also adapted to the systems of the later SaGa games. And like the above, it also got a fan translation.

2011

Sands of Destruction

RPG

Funny and charming JRPG reminiscent of PS1 era JRPGS, especially Xenogears (in gameplay). This time you're destroying the world rather than saving it. Music and art is really good. Voice acting is good too for the most part, but the pauses between lines can get irritating. Addendum: Most of the game is spent beating up on furries.

2010

Scribblenauts

Platformer / Puzzle

Get the Starite. How do you get the Starite? By summoning nearly anything (no living people, nothing vulgar, nothing licensed) with your handy dandy notebook. Fun for everyone for at least an hour, after that it depends on whether you're the sort who'll solve everything with MINDCONTROLDEVICE and LASSO or someone who'll try for new things. Good for playing in short bursts. Surprisingly full of existing memes, and the JP-version even has Konami cameos.

2009

Super Scribblenauts

Platformer / Puzzle

If you hated the first Scribblenauts because of its flaws then you'll love this. Controls are SO MUCH BETTER, levels are really awesome to do, and best of all, not only can you create anything you can think of (except vulgar and vague stuff), but you can modify them using multiple ADJECTIVES. More fun to be had and you can play hours upon hours of the game and NOT EVEN LEAVE THE TITLE SCREEN!

2010

Scurge: Hive

Metroidvania

A port of the popular GBA title. At heart, it's a traditional sci-fi metroidvania, but with an isometric camera, and an interesting "infection" mechanic that forces you to think carefuly before leaving the safety of each save point. Features everything you would expect, including a badass female protagonist, power suits, multipurpose laser gauntlets, friendly AI's, and overrun research facilities. The platforming, puzzles, and combat are all precise and satisfying, and the game's plot moves at an excellent pace.

2006

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor

RPG / Strategy

SRPG with over a hundred demons to recruit into your part. Tons of character customization via skill copying and fusing demons together, but boss battles are ragequit inducing fine if you use your brain. The battle system is kind of generic and the visuals are lazy, but it shines with a lot of replayability through five different endings which depend on the choices you make during the story. If you need to grind, you suck

2009

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2

RPG / Strategy

Sequel to the first Devil Survivor except now aliens are invading. Plays EXACTLY like the first game except now it's BLUE. Updated demon roster, skills, and the addition of the demon condemenium makes fusing demons a little easier (No more giving up that awesome unique demon just for fusion materials). Multiple endings, hard bosses, and such return. Play this if you still haven't had your fix from the first game. Also boobs.

2012

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

RPG

Classic Megaten gameplay is back with this marvelous entry in the SMT mainline series. When a mysterious black hole filled with demons appears in the middle of the south pole and threatens to devour the entire earth, it's up to you, your unit of elite soldiers from all over the world, and, most importantly, your own legion of demons to go in and kick ass. What sets this game apart from other RPGs is that random encounters don't have to end in violence. By negotiating with demons, you can obtain money and items and even make them join your own ranks. Your dialog choices also affect your alignment towards law and chaos, which affects battles. 300 races of demons to recruit and many hours of playtime with different endings.

2010

Simple DS Series Vol.18 - The Soukou Kihei Gun Ground

Heavy Mecha Run 'n Gun Sidescroller

Basically a successor to the likes of Metal Warriors/Front Mission: Gun Hazard/Assault Suits Series (aka Target Earth/Cybernator etc.), where you basically run around shooting and punching mechs with your customisable mech. Completely in Japanese but you can fudge your way through the language barrier. Arguably one of the best of the Simple DS series of budget titles released in Japan.

2007

Sokoban DS

Puzzle

It doesn't matter how old it is or in how many media you can find it, Sokoban it's still an awfully good puzzle game.

2008

Soma Bringer

RPG

Diablo with animu characters. Very customizable with many options as to how to build your character. Full translation patch (aside from the glossary you'll never use), look on GBATemp.

2008

Sonic Colors

Platformer

The third and final entry of the Sonic DS series, by Dimps as usual. Plays similar to the Sonic Rush games, but Sonic can now stomp, walljump, and use 5 new powerups. Less linear than the Rush games, presenting some new challenges. The soundtrack is very good. Not as long or visually impressive as its Wii counterpart, but more fluid and faster-paced.

2010

Sonic Rush / Adventure

2D Platformer

2D Sonic games similar to the Advance series. Rush is quite solid and even has music by Jet Set Radio vet, Hideki Naganuma, Rush Adventure is a bit weaker than Rush, especially where music is concerned, but it has a number of mini-levels that provide some decent challenges. Both made by Dimps.

2005, 2007

Solatorobo: Red the Hunter

Platformer / RPG

Spiritual successor to Tail Concerto on the PSX. In an anime art style, ride upon thine mighty robot as you beat up other robots in a broad and diverse world. Difficulty may be a little on the easy side, but good fun, and entertaining story. Also furries.

2011

Soul Bubbles

Action / Puzzle

Not totally unlike LostWinds on the Wii. In this game, you control a 'spirit herder', someone who saves lost souls by guiding them to salvation (ie: the end of each level). To do this, you collect them in a bubble, and blow the bubble to the end. There are power ups in the form of masks which do various new maneuvers, like trimming the environment for safe passage, or splitting the bubble into smaller bubbles for example. This game is very, very relaxing. If you live in North America, you can only get this game at Toys R Us stores, oddly, but it's priced at $9.99 $5.99, so don't hesitate.

2008

Space Invaders Extreme

Shoot 'em Up

EXTR3ME SPACE INVADERS FUCK YEAH! Basically Space Invaders, but set to a rhythm, and features power-ups and superior gameplay. Expect some acid tripping and awesome music.

2008

Space Invaders Extreme 2

Shoot 'em Up

The slightly improved sequel to Space Invaders Extreme. The acid tripping keeps going, but this time the Fever Time bonus rounds got updated to be in real time, providing a more dynamic gameplay, also better music than the first one. Has a moe themed level, for the weeaboo inside you.

2009

Spectral Force Genesis

Strategy

40 nations are at war, and you get to pick one. Each turn counts as one in-game month, and each month has a different phase. Invest in your city to attract citizens and troops, strengthen your defenses, invest in trades, scout out for new generals, form alliances or persuade opposing nations into joining you and conquer everyone else. Battles are in real time, with three allied and enemy squads on the map. Unfortunately, it's single-player only. Don't rely on alliances too much. The computer isn't afraid to attack you when the opportunity arises. Has mixed reviews and opinions, so you may want to try before you buy.

2008

Spider-man Web of Shadows / Spiderman Shattered Dimensions

Action / Adventure

"Spidey Metroidvania?" Sounds weird, but works. The Webhead really feels like the nimble superhero he's supposed to be. Controls are fluid and webbing around is all kinds of fun. Add-in the abilities you can find while exploring and you have a good-to-great game. The sequel adds challenges and different modes (Boss Rush, Time Attack) and breaks the game between three characters, who unlock abilities separately. Storywise, they're completely unrelated, so no need to play them in order. Sadly, both are rather short, but it's fun while it lasts. The sequel has challenges to keep you busy after you beat it.

2008, 2010

Style Savvy

Business Sim

Don't let the cover fool you, this is pretty good business sim. You are in charge of your own boutique, with everything that that entails. Set your store's target demographic, deal with different suppliers, force slow moving pieces on unsuspecting costumers and participate in fashion contests to further promote your store in a neverending struggle for great profit. Check this review if you are interested in getting this game (for your sister, obviously *wink*wink*)

2009

Suikoden Tierkreis

RPG

A spin-off of the Suikoden series. You're able to recruit up to 108 members for your party. Artwork is really pretty, but VA is sketchy (the protagonist sounds like he had 20 energy drinks). A Japanese dub/better font patch is highly recommended and makes the game a much better experience. Search gbatemp.net for it.

2009

Super Mario 64 DS

3D Platformer

It's a port of Super Mario 64, but lets you play as Yoshi, Mario, Wario and Luigi (read: mostly Luigi). Each has their own specialties and abilities as well. Has 150 stars now, oh and some mini-games and multiplayer. Controls are dodgy due to the lack of analog control on the DS, but functional enough. However, if played on the 3DS, the controls are greatly improved by the Circle Pad.

2004

Super Princess Peach

2D Platformer

Super Mario for girls. Manipulate the emotions of the princess so you can clear her obstacles. Way too easy, but has some pretty sprite graphics, and is oddly fun.

2005

Super Robot Taisen OG Saga Endless Frontier / EXCEED

RPG / Ecchi

Monolith Soft game where you play a Space cowboy surrounded by tits. Other than the gratuitous fan service, there is a pretty good battle system. Also has KOS-MOS from Xenosaga and that's always nice. We might never get the sequel overseas since Bamco holds the rights and are huge dicks. The sequel (SRTOGS EXCEED) is out in Japan. Except for the design\name of a few characters, this game is completely unrelated to any Super Robot Taisen game, both in terms of gameplay and plot. Unless you played Original Generations, you won’t even notice the references, actually.

2009

Taiko no Tatsujin DS 1, 2 and 3

Music / Rhythm

IT'S LIKE I'M REALLY A DRUMMER! It's in Japanese. Also check out the sequel for more songs and stuff to do. The second sequel adds a story mode to the mix that plays like a RPG. Really, it even has random encounters where you fight with the power of rhythm.

2007, 2008, 2010

Tales of Innocence

RPG

A fully 3D Tales of on the DS, huzzah. The battle system is similar to Abyss', letting you move around freely. The difficulty spike is crushing, but manageable, and the dungeons can be a little on the bland side. The translation patch is now available.

2007

Tetris DS

Puzzle

You all know how this works by now, you faggots. This version is so popular it may as well be the DS's only e-sport, gauging how many insane koreans and wapanese you will find in it. Play through tons of 8-bit Nintendo-themed worlds in the main endless mode. Play through twists on the Tetris formula in others. There's even a Balloon Fight-themed touchscreen mode! Hell yes, this could very well be mankind's greatest achievement.

2006

The World Ends With You

Action / RPG

An offbeat action RPG featuring dual-screen real-time combat where you must control two characters at once. The urban-based plot is refreshing and unique. Mixes up conventional RPG mainstays, thanks to stuff like: changing battle aspects at will, fashion trends affecting your attacks and clothing stats, mind-reading in mass crowds, and getting stronger by digesting various foods. The main story is short, but it features lots of content and an fairly long post-game story. It's experimental, and not "perfect", but still a must play.. One of the best games on the system by far. It also has an impressive Spain-based romhack.

2008

Theresia

Adventure / Survival Horror

A first-person survival horror adventure with an amnesiac protagonist; the story is somewhat better than you'd think. Although it looks great, the endless backtracking through identical corridors and entirely unpredictable, health-sapping traps make it hard to recommend for the impatient. After the first story is finished, a second, shorter tale is unlocked.

2008

theta

Puzzle

A simple yet potentially very confusing puzzler. The top screen and the bottom screen have disks with slots for balls. If a ball is above an empty slot it will fall. The balls can fall from the bottom screen to the top screen. Every disk on the bottom screen is conected to another one in the top screen so if you turn a disk with the stylus another one will turn at the top screen. The goal is to get all the colored balls on its correspondingly colored disks. This will be definitively a challenge for your spatial IQ. In Japanese, but it's completely playable even if you don't know the language.

2007

Time Hollow

Adventure / Visual Novel

You receive a pen that lets you fuck with the past, including preventing accidents. However, just like every other "tamper with the past" plot, everything starts going haywire. A good game, but pretty damn short and simple. Oddly enough, the new game+ can be beaten in "pretty much five minutes", due to a plot loophole.

2008

Tingle's Balloon Fight DS

Platformer

If you've ever played Balloon Fight, you know what to expect. Balloon Fight is Nintendo's version of Joust and is arguably better. This version features backgrounds remind you of Wind Waker, and your main character is of course Tingle. Multiplayer (2-4) in this game is a BLAST, especially if you're just looking to waste some quick time, and Balloon Trip mode is surprisingly addictive. This was only released in Japan for their Club Nintendo, but even so, it's not particularly hard to find.

2007

Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side 1st Love Plus

Sim / Visual Novel

Female version of the original foreveralone franchise for males. Co-ordinate your outfits! Hit on teachers! Fondle your boyfriend with the Touch Screen! Disarm bombs! Make Valentine's chocolates! Much harder than it appears, since fucking up is VERY easy, and you have no way of knowing a guy completely without FAQs using your little brother to spy on people. Only recommended for girls or the manliest of men. Almost every line of dialogue is fully voiced. A full English translation is available here. If this is too much man for you, try Love Plus, a more basic form of this, but has VERY extensive post-game dating and events.

2009

Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side 2nd Season

Sim / Visual Novel

You want more bishie boys? Here's more bishie boys. Now with more androgyny and MUCH more fondling. Easier than the original TMGS, so if you're intimidated by that one, go for this. Chocolate making still fucking sucks though. Translation is here. The third is not translated (yet?), but is arguably the most fun, since you can turn two best friends into hardcore bitter rivals as they pine for you.

2008

Touch Detective 1 & 2 ½ (US) / Mystery Detective 1 & 2 ½ (EU)

Adventure / Visual Novel

The adventures of Mackenzie, a young girl that aims to be a detective like her late father with the help of Funghi, her oddly shaped pet and companion. It has cute visuals and nice humour, but it got average review scores because the puzzles are sometimes a bit too far-fetched and the interface can be counterintuitive. Worth a try if you like the genre. The 2nd game is a bit longer, has some interface tweaks and a bigger cast including some returning characters. Sequel confirmed for 3DS, no words on a western localization.

Also on iOS and Android.

2006, 2007

Trace Memory (US) / Another Code: Two Memories (EU)

Adventure

A short but fun adventure game. Usual point and click designs are present whilst throwing in some puzzles to make use of the DS's features. The North American version, Trace Memory takes some liberties with the translation, and makes Ashley into an American (She was British in the original, but whatever). If you like it, check out the sequel on Wii, titled Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories - it's less creepy, has more puzzles, and more likeable characters. You can check a trailer here

2005

Trauma Center: Under the Knife 1 & 2

Sim

Operate on mutant viruses. Plot is wacky and over the top, and the gameplay is excellent, incorporating some of the best uses for the DS's touch screen. The sequel is more polished, and has a MUCH more sensible difficulty level (whereas the first gets fucking impossible quite challenging). Surgery where you fight a spider prancing on a patient's heart. Said spider is also on fire. Sequel/spinoff/remakes are also on Wii.

2005, 2008

Ultimate Mortal Kombat

Fighting

Surprisingly perfect arcade conversion of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, with excellent controls and local multiplayer. As an added bonus, it also features the Puzzle Kombat minigame from Mortal Kombat Deception.

2007

Umihara Kawase Shun Second Edition Kanzenban

Platformer / Puzzle

Use a rubbery fishing line to get through physics-based puzzle platforming levels of ball-busting difficulty. Contains both the SNES (which is on the recommended SNES games page) and PS games, brand new levels, an extras gallery and it's not a buggy piece of shit like the PSP port. More importantly, Umihara may be both the cutest and sexiest of any obscure vidya female.

2009

Utacchi

Music / Rhythm

A really fun Rhythm game made by the Bemani, the developers of Pop'n Music from which Utacchi was inspired. It's full of songs from your favorite anime and other weeaboo-related things. But don't think it's as easy as it is cute, because this game can become tough and unforgiving at later levels, especially with the yellow flick notes. Be sure to get the patch to fix the dead touchscreen issue. Also, there might be a savegame issue with some flashcarts (the game creates a savfile with an all-cap filename but the rom filename is lower-case); if this happens just manually change the savefile filename to match the ROM filename.

2010

Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume

RPG

A spin-off of the Valkyrie Profile series in the form of an SRPG with elements of the original battle system integrated in isometrically. Not as great as the originals, but still fun. It also has an original storyline where you aren't necessarily the good guy. Your actions can change the next chapter, the final boss and the ending. Story can be pretty depressing. Also the English in the game is early modern, which may be awesome or campy depending on your taste.

2009

Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise

Virtual Life Sim

Based on the original and made by the same team who made Diddy Kong Racing DS. Has a lot of new features and new species of Pinatas.

2008

WarioWare: Touched!

Minigame / Puzzle

Wacky microgames. If you've played WarioWare before, you know what to expect. Utilizes the touchscreen for most of the microgame sets, rarely using the mike or buttons. The main game is surprisingly easy, but has oddly catchy music.

2005

WarioWare D.I.Y.

Minigamea / Puzzle

This WW has a twist: It lets you create your own microgames from scratch! This is for game designing what Mario Paint is for creating fine art. Graphics, music, programming, it's all you. It also lets you download, upload, and share microgames over Wi-Fi. Includes 70+ pre-made microgames, 100+ pre-made music tracks, and 20+ tutorial microgames which help you learn the ropes, and all of the pre-mentioned can be edited to your choosing. Aside from customization (which takes a short while to learn), the single-player is a bit limited, so the longevity of this is dictated by your creativity and how much you download from online. DIY Showcase on the Wii has extra games, and ties in with this, so get that too, if you can.

2010

Witch's Wish

Adventure / Visual Novel

Anon wants to be the little girl, and the little girl wants to be a witch in a town where only the rich can afford to. Not only is it cute, the music is charming and you can use "the story showcases certain social issues in a way that children can understand" as a flimsy excuse. Downsides are limited save points and the American release stripping out nearly all voice acting. Other than that, it's probably the cutest game you'll ever play.

2010

Worms: Open Warfare 2

Strategy

Classic Worms gameplay adapted for the DS. Open Warfare 2 is recommended over the first installment, as it fixes nearly all of the faults of its predecessor. Plays good, looks good, plenty of weapons and maps to keep things interesting, and has a fair amount of customizability. The multiplayer experience is solid, but the community is rather small, and like many DS games, it can take a while to find a game. Also available on the PSP.

2007

Xenosaga I + II

RPG

A retelling of the first two episodes of the Xenosaga trilogy for the PS2. The Episode II portion of the game, originally told through Jr.'s perspective, now focuses on Shion. Features new content and some parts of the script that were originally cut from Episode II. It should be noted the entire game uses the battle system from Episode I. It was only released in Japan, but there is allegedly a fan translation in the works.

2006

Yakuman DS

Board game

One of the best mahjong games for the DS (real mahjong, not that solitaire garbage). Featuring Mario and co., this game has lots of optional rules for free matches. You can even do Open Riichis, the most badass move possible in mahjong in case you haven't watched Akagi. In Japanese, but it's easy to follow if you know some mahjong and there's a translation guide available here. If you like mahjong you should also check the Akagi DS game. That one is not as good as Yakuman DS, but it has Washizu Mahjong (you bet your blood and three quarters of the tiles are transparent), which no other DS mahjong game has.

2005

Yoshi's Island DS

Platformer

A sequel of the original Yoshi's Island on the SNES. It's not as good as the original, but can be pretty fun when you get used to the new mechanics. The blind-spot between the screen and be a pain in the ass though.

2006

Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2011 Over The Nexus

Card Games

The most recent entry in the World Tournament series, and a pretty good one at that. This one has some of the (5D's wise) latest cards in the game. Along with some nice extras and features, it turns out to be a really good way of learing the ropes as well as testing out custom decks and all that. Obviously outdated as fuck thanks to Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal, but it's still the latest World Tournament game in the series. World Tournament 2012 rumored to be on 3DS, so this is the last and latest DS-based Yu-Gi-oh! game for all we know

2011

Zoo Keeper

Puzzle

It's Bejeweled, but with animals instead of jewels. At least until Bejeweled 3 is released, this is hands-down the best connect-three game on the DS. OH REALLY? See Puzzle Quest.

Since the beginning of times, every platform has had some titles that are sorta kinda games, but not quite. Call it edutainment, interactive toys or non-games, all those games were there, quietly selling and entertaining lots of people. With the DS wild success among people that usually wouldn't play games, the non-games got the push they needed to become relevant again, resulting in a plethora of non-traditional games. Some of them are quite good, and this section is for them.

Title

"Genre"

Description

Box Art

America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking

Cookbook

A nifty cookbook with 300 recipes explained step by step. Don't worry if you are completely clueless in the kitchen, it has an explanation for almost anything (some explanations in video), a list of acceptable substitutes for many ingredients and you can make a list of the things you need to buy for a particular recipe. Each step is spoken aloud by your DS and the voice recognition is handy when you have your hands busy. One common problem is that the voice recognition can pick up ambient noises (like pans hitting each other) and sometimes interpret them as instructions, which can be annoying, but nothing gamebreaking.

Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten

Japanese to English Dictionary

A good and cheap Japanese to English dictionary. Obviously uses the stylus, but it has plenty of handy options mapped to buttons, so try everything.

Jam Sessions

Guitar sim

Use this game to transform your DS into a guitar. A really small and rectangle-shaped guitar. Assign guitar chords to a D-pad direction and strum with the stylus on the touchscreen. It's fun to experiment with and allows you to save your performances. The sequel adds a Guitar Hero-esque mode where you strum specific chords along one of the songs available and allows you to strum individual strings in a chord but cuts the chords you can assign to the buttons from 16 to 8. Still enough for a lot of songs.

Minagara Oreru DS Origami

Origami guide

This is just like a cookbook, but the instructions are for folding paper to make origami instead. The instructions are given as animations, which are clear enough to follow, and since your hands are gonna be busy the voice control is extremely useful. In Japanese but completely usable even if you don't know the language (brotip: next = tsugi; previous = mae; once again = mo ichido).

My Japanese Coach

Japanese course

If you want to learn Japanese, this is a good place to start. Practice your writing on the touchscreen, use the mic to record your voice and compare it with the sample to practice your pronunciation. The pronunciation in the game is good, the lessons are bite-sized but plenty and most of the minigames to practice vocabulary are fun and useful (not every minigame, though, Spelltastic sucks). The best way to use this game imo is right before or along a proper Japanese course like Genki or Minna no Nihongo.

Actually pretty fucking good to learn kana, not to so much for the more advanced stuff.

Personal Trainer: Math

Math

WOOHOO! A collection of MATH EXERCISES! Focuses on the four basic operations and its main attraction is a 10x10 blank grid that you have to fill with numbers. There's something strangely amusing about solving a bunch of simple arithmetic problems in a row that makes playing this game quite a relaxing experience. Unless you have a distinct allergy to numbers, this is definitely better than it sounds.

Art Academy

Painting

This is like MSPaint, but your tools simulate real pencils and real brushes, and has art lessons in case you want to learn a thing or two about painting. The DS game mixes both DSiWare titles Art Academy First and Second Semester's lessons, adding more reference photos and more frames for your work, but on the flipside you can't save to an SD cart as with the DSiWare ones. It's DSi enhanced, so you can use the camera if you have one.

Korg DS-10 Plus

Synthethizer

The much improved sequel to Korg DS-10, Korg DS-10 Plus isn't a music game, it's a portable analog synthesizer, so it could be complicated to use unless you are familiar with that kind of thing or curious enough to try every knob and switch to see how this works (or read the manual). In any case, with two synth tracks, four drum tracks, tone tweaking, audio processing and multiplayer capabilities this software will turn your DS (and probably yourself) into a techno-pop machine. And if you are using a DSi, this app uses the extra power to double your tracks and your channels.

100 classic books (US) 100 classic book collection (UK)

Books

Hold the DS sideways and flip pages with your fingers for some ebook reader goodness. Despite having only public domain works that you can get for free on the interwebs, this is definitely a game you should consider getting if you like reading. One of it's best features is that you can grade each book you finish in a series of aspects and upload those grades to the Nintendo Wifi Connection, so if you are not sure what to read next (or if you are simply curious about which book is collectively considered the most bizarre/funny/profound) you can consult with the Nintendo hivemind. Other nice features are background sounds (so you can pretend to be reading in a summer day/an airport/the beach), three bookmarks per book and a curious recommendation system (at least in the UK version).

DSiware started with the DSi and continued with the 3DS. These are essentially small file-sized games to be played and stored digitally. Some are meant for quick-fire play, but others have more depth. Longevity varies per title, obviously.

If you have a DSi versus a 3DS, there's still plenty of games and options available. It will also be supported for a little while longer, so you might want to keep your eye out for some future releases anyway. Of course, the 3DS gets you charged sales tax, so there might be some perk to using DSi points for a little while longer.

DSiWare is downloadable and transferable with the 3DS. However, you won't be able to keep any of your save data (due to Nintendo's legal bullshit). That said, all you have to do is download a free application off of the DSiWare Shop (the 3DS already has the means to do so without said app). Have both plugged in (or you'll get a fuckton of warning messages), set up a full or custom transfer (the full is much more convenient), and Pikmin will transfer all your data. If you get an error message, whatever was in the middle of being transferred will have to re-transfer, but everything else will already be sent over, and won't start all the way over.

Turns your DS into a media player, supports music in MP3/OGG/MOD/SPC/MDX (no PCM)/GBS/HES/NSF/XM/MIDI/WMA/low bit rate AAC audio. Supports video in DPG format (use dpgenc.exe to make DPG video files) Supports text files and image files too. Comes integrated into some flashcarts like the R4, good for those who are no good with computers. RECENTLY UPDATED TO 2.1!

It's Lemmings, on your DS. Need I say more? Includes all the levels of the original Lemmings and Oh No More Lemmings, as well as a couple extra ones. Also accepts custom levels and music. Plays very well.

A clone of a flash game that works pretty well on the DS. Made by a french guy. You have to click on the gray blocks to make them disappear and keep the TNT from touching the ground after they're all gone.